5.Hold more liquid.

A normal tampon holds between six and nine grams of liquid. Menstrual cups hold almost five times that amount, capable of up to one ounce (about 28 grams). This makes life a lot more easy for ladies with a heavier flow.

6.Dodge chemicals going *up there*.

Cups don't contain latex, BPA, dye or other creepy additives. Not to mention, almost all tampons contain bleached rayon—a material that creates the possibly carcinogenic byproduct dioxin. Plus, that is BLEACH you're shoving up there. Menstrual pads aren't any less innocent, only slightly less invasive.

7.Suffer less leaks.

With proper insertion, your menstrual cup should form a suction. Meaning, all liquid should pool directly into it without a hitch. When a tampon shifts or becomes saturated, that's when leaks can happen.

8.Decrease your chances of TSS.

TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) is a bacteria-spurred illness that can kill you. If your tampon has even a slightly higher absorbency than your actual flow, you risk shredding. Tiny bits of cotton can cause small cuts in your vaginal walls—a perfect breeding ground for the bacteria causing TSS.

18.They aren't that scary.

Cups are just as comfortable as tampons, once you get the hang of them. (Remember middle school? See, Tampax weren't always your BFF.)

You can maintain cups in a public restroom, but you probably won't have to because you can keep it in for so long. Just wash your hands and wet a paper towel to bring into the stall with you. Then you can safely empty your cup into the toilet, wipe it out with the towel and pop it back in for another dozen hours.

Does the idea of collecting your flow in a cup gross you out? Then likely collecting it in a cotton vagina plug or slab of adult diaper does, too. In that case, good luck.